Two Circulatory Routes Within the Human Corpus Cavernosum Penis: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Corrosion Casts

Abstract

The microvascular architecture of the human corpus cavernosum penis was studied by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. The corpus cavernosum was supplied by the penile deep artery. It gave off branches to become either arteries distributed within the corpus cavernosum or those directly supplying the corpus spongiosum urethrae. The former arteries further divided into small arteries which fell into two categories: 1) arteries breaking up into capillaries, and 2) arteries draining directly into the cavernous sinuses. The capillaries were collected into venular networks just beneath the tunica albuginea (the subalbugineal venular plexus), while the cavernous sinuses were collected into venules at the periphery of the corpus cavernosum. These postcavernous venules also received venules from the subalbuginea venular plexus, and the the corpus cavernosum. Thus, two circulatory routes are evident within the corpus cavernosium. These findings suggested that the penile erectile cycle is controlled by hemodynamic changes between these two routes within the corpus cavernosum.